Tremors from a 5.3 magnitude earthquake in Badakhshan province, Afghanistan, were felt in Kashmir Valley on Saturday. The earthquake, occurring at 8:24 A.M., had its epicenter in Afghanistan, 190 kilometers deep within the Earth’s crust. Officials reported the earthquake’s coordinates as Latitude 36.55 degrees North and Longitude 70.92 degrees East.
Seismically, Kashmir Valley is located in an earthquake-prone area, having experienced significant earthquakes in the past. In 2005, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in over 80,000 casualties. The epicenter was in Muzaffarabad town in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, leading to extensive destruction.
Kashmir has a history of destructive earthquakes due to its high-seismic zone location. Notable historical earthquakes include the devastating 1555 and 1885 events, causing widespread destruction and thousands of deaths. Experts recommend constructing earthquake-resistant structures in the region, emphasizing the dangers of cement concrete homes during temblors.
